Researchers from both China and Sweden believe that challenges and opportunities coexist in China's energy sector.

Dai Lin, research professor of Energy Research Institute under the National Development and Reform Commission said at a seminar held in the Stockholm Environment Institute (SEI) Thursday that due to fast development of economy, China faces great challenges in energy and resources conservation and environment protection, but at the same time there is great potential to decrease energy consumption per unit of GDP.

She briefed the seminar about the current energy situation in China and the challenges China is facing in energy and environment.

Her view was echoed by Mans Nilsson, Program Director on Policy and Institutions in SEI. Nilsson talked about Swedish policies in energy conservation and efficiency.

Nilsson says Swedish energy supply largely comes from hydro and nuclear power and if nuclear power is taken away, their carbon-dioxide emission will increase too. So far Sweden is the best in the world in limiting carbon dioxide emission.

Li Lailai, deputy director of the Stockholm Environment Institute says in terms of energy efficiency, China will have a lot to learn from Sweden and the seminar has opened a good chance for bilateral exchange and cooperation.

Ren Dongming, Deputy Director of Center for Renewable Energy Development in ERI under NDRC talked about China's renewable energy utilization. He said there is still great potential to complete the policies in encouraging the use of renewable energy and creating more markets for use of green energy in China.

The two sides will further explore cooperation in policy and institution and other sectors to promote sustainable development.

The Executive Director of SEI Johan Rockstr?m expressed that China's development and environment is high in their agenda for research and collaboration.

ERI is a think-tank for the Chinese government in energy sector while SEI was established by the Swedish government to support decision-making and induce change towards sustainable development around the world by providing integrative knowledge that bridges science and policy in the field of environment and development.

By Chen Xuefei, People's Daily Online correspondent in Stockholm.